A relationship that began with a random hook-up at the University of the South Pacific library nine years ago culminated in Netani Koroi Taukei and Joana Clara Senibua tying the knot in an intimate ceremony surrounded by close family and friends.
It all began nine years ago when both were studying at USP and met through a mutual friend who played cupid at the start of their friendship.
Joana left Fiji for the Middle East in 2015 after securing a contract as a flight attendant at an airline based there and two years later, Netani left to join the British Army.
After nine years of trust, faith and constant communication, the couple travelled back home to tie the knot in front of close family members, friends and loved ones.
Their journey though was no easy ride because they parted ways soon after meeting, to pursue their different career paths.
“We both stood out to each other,” Joana shared.
“He said he fell for my buiniga as it was the style of hair I wore back then. “To my eyes he was and still is just drop dead gorgeous.
He seemed so quiet and shy and it took many years to get him out of his shyness.
“Netani and I started dating in 2013, when we were students at the University of the South Pacific.
“We’ve been together for a very long time before deciding to settle. “We did long distance most of the time, it wasn’t easy but by the grace of God we were able to pull through.”
Relatives and loved ones converged in Nadi a week ago to be part of their wedding ceremony and to witness the beginning of their new journey together.
Netani is from Qalikarua, Matuku in Lau with maternal links to Makadru also in Matuku while his bride is from Navutu, Nadroga with maternal links to Marou, Naviti in Yasawa.
The couple said they felt so fortunate to have family and friends travel from afar to be part of their special day. Friends and workmates of the bride travelled from as far as Doha, Sydney and Suva to see her tie the knot and say ‘I do!’ Families from both sides also travelled from around Viti Levu.
“We’ve shared so many wonderful memories but the best ones by far are going on endless road trips around the United Kingdom not knowing where we’re headed. “And of course when he first asked me to be his girlfriend, during the 2013 Hibiscus Festival.
“We like to go on drives and visit shopping outlets. This is only when I get to see him on my time off from work.”
The wedding ceremony was held at Cawa Methodist Church, Martintar, Nadi, followed by a gold and white themed reception at Fun World Plaza Hotel, Nadi, decorated by Viti Events.
The couple and guests were entertained by renowned iTaukei group Via Ni Tebara and their wedding cake was made by Ashika of Fiji Cakes – a gift from the bride’s maid of honour, Salome Sauqaqa, who was also her flat mate of six years.
The couple said trust and communication were very essential when any kind of relationship and along with that they made sure their relationship was God-centred.
